Sonam Kapoor: I would be bloody exhausted if I couldn’t be myself!

Dressed in a traditional blue-white Gaurang Shah outfit, adorned with jhumkas, Sonam Kapoor stands true to her diva image. Down- to-earth, spunky she defies conventions, and while most actors are worried about their image and about being politically correct, she believes in calling a spade-a spade, even if it means ruffling a few feathers. Curling her feet up, and making herself comfortable, the actor passionately talks about her films, her career choices and more

What was the reason for doing a slice-of-life film like Bewakoofiyaan, post something as off-beat as Raanjhanaa?

Honestly, I needed this respite. When I started shooting for Raanjhanaa, the first half of the film was nice and fun. But, as the story progressed, my character Zoya, became complicated and darker. When I had finished shooting a portion of the second half of Raanjhanaa, Adi (Aditya Chopra) called and told me, that he has a script that is written by Habib Faisal. I thought it would be something rustic like Ishaqzaade or a slice-of-life film like Do Dooni Chaar. But, when I read the script of Bewakoofiyaan, I thought it was very urban and real. I needed to do a light-hearted film post Raanjhanaa, before doing other films like Khoobsurat or Dolly Ki Doli. Although, it was a lot of hard work, it still felt like a paid holiday, as I was working with my friends like Nupur Asthana. Besides, most of the crew consisted of women, and I also wanted to work with a wonderful production house like YRF.

Bewakoofiyaan got a mixed response. When a film doesn’t live up to expectations, does it depress you in any way?

I’d like to believe that the media has helped me a lot, in the sense that even if a film of mine hasn’t done well, the articles or reviews about me have always been positive. A lot of actors don’t read reviews, but I read them, and they have actually given me strength. I feel, I’ve had a good journey so far in a lot of ways because of the media. My journey has always been difficult at various points, which is always the case when you take a road less travelled upon. I’ve made difficult choices, but when a film like Raanjhanaa does well, it is a bigger victory for me, than a film with a big production house or a big co-star doing well.

What are the parameters that you consider while selecting a role?

My biggest ambition and focus has been to not get typecast. I’ve consciously decided to never do the same thing again, because then you don’t have a long career. People tire of you easily when they watch you doing stereotypical characters. I don’t look at acting as a stepping stone in my life, I look at it as my bloody job! I’m consciously trying to climb the ladder slowly, so that I reach continued…